The effect of crops and farming systems on soil quality

Soil biological quality can affect key soil functions that support food production and environmental quality. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of crops and climatic conditions on soil biological quality in two contrasting agricultural cropping systems from South estern part of Romania. The experiment was bifactorial of type 2 x 4 in 3 repetitions, with A factor (farming system: a1 – organic farming; a2 – conventional farming system) and B (crops: b1 - soybean, b2 - winter wheat, b3 - maize, b4 - sunflower). Soil biological properties (respiration and biodegradation of celulose) were assessed at depths of 0-20 cm in 2012 during vegetation period of studied crops. Also, the chemical reaction of soil was tested. Compared to conventional system, organic farming system had greater chemical reaction of soil, high respiration and catalase activity of soil under 2012 year conditions.